What are the values learned about in the extract given from Chapter 3? Then try to determine whether they are shared by the narrator. Finally discuss the possibility that the narrator is critical of, or even making fun of, the society and its members.
Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice is one of the most recognisable love stories in literature and along with any classic love story; the two lovers have to overcome many barriers in order for them to finally be together. Throughout the novel it is clear that there is an obsession with reputation and first impressions by the key protagonists, Darcy and Elizabeth. In the extract from Chapter 3 we are instantly introduced to Bingley and Darcy; Bingley being polite and well-mannered whilst dancing with Jane- the eldest daughter- which contrasts with Darcy who remains with his own company, too proud to talk to the local community. We learn a lot about their current society’s values and expectations, and how a reputation for a woman is quintessentially important. It is made evident that the narrator empathises these values, however the narrator is critical of the society and its members due to the hardships the protagonists endure.
Pride and Prejudice is a novel where reputation to the characters is of the utmost importance. In particular the book reflects how women were expected to behave. Mrs Bennet shows how a lady should not have behaved in this society. When Mr Bingley arrives she ‘attacked him in various ways; with barefaced questions, ingenious suppositions, and distant surmises’ (Paragraph 1, Line 3), showing that Mrs Bennet lacked the social graces which could alienate people against her. On the other hand is Mr Darcy, ‘the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world’ (Paragraph 6, Line 56). Due to this Elizabeth misjudges Darcy on the basis of his first impression. Darcy’s prejudice against Elizabeth’s poor social standing blinds him for a time also. Mr Darcy was ‘discovered to be too proud, to be above his...